What funding exists for Ottawa accessibility renovations right now?

Several open programs and tax credits may help pay for accessibility renovations in Ottawa right now. Amounts and eligibility are checked as of September 2026; the program decides whether any individual qualifies.

Programs and Credits Open Now

Ontario Renovates (City of Ottawa) offers up to $20,000 for low-income seniors and persons with disabilities: a 10-year forgivable loan of up to $15,000 for essential repairs and accessibility modifications, plus a grant of up to $5,000 for accessibility modifications only. The City says that to earn loan forgiveness, you must own and live in the house for 10 years after the repairs or modifications are complete. Funding is limited and first-come-first-served until March 31, 2027. The City's page says you may be eligible if you own and occupy the home as your sole and principal residence, its value is at or under the City's published limit, you are 65 or older, you have a disability, or you live with a senior or a person with a disability, and household income is at or under the City's published limits. Any work done before approval is not eligible. Verified project quotes are required.

March of Dimes Canada's Home and Vehicle Modification Program (funded by Ontario's Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility) offers up to $15,000 lifetime for home modifications. Applicants must be permanent Ontario residents in financial need, with a permanent, ongoing or recurring disability that impedes mobility and substantially restricts daily activities. Solutions are as recommended by an Occupational Therapist, and quotes must come from a registered medical vendor, supplier or contractor. The program will not repay any cost incurred before it authorizes the work. Applications for outdoor lifts and ramps with concrete work are accepted only from April 1 to October 31.

The Home Accessibility Tax Credit (CRA line 31285) lets an eligible person claim up to $20,000 of eligible expenses a year. A qualifying individual is someone eligible for the disability tax credit at any time in the year, or 65 or older at year end. Certain family members who live with them may also claim, and the claim can be split. Routine repairs, items that do not become a permanent part of the home, and work mainly to increase the home's value are not eligible.

The Ontario Seniors Care at Home Tax Credit is a refundable credit for people who turned 70 or older in the year, or whose spouse or partner did: 25% of claimable medical expenses up to $6,000, for a maximum credit of $1,500, reduced by 5% of family net income over $35,000. It is a credit on eligible medical expenses under the program's own rules: its list names bathroom aids such as grab bars, and some renovation costs where there is a severe and prolonged impairment.

The medical expense tax credit (CRA) may also apply to certain renovation expenses for a person with a severe and prolonged mobility impairment, including ramps, widened doorways and lowered cabinets. The CRA lists a power-operated stair chair and power-operated lifts with "prescription needed"; the CRA sets the conditions.

One credit to be aware of: the Ontario Seniors' Home Safety Tax Credit is closed. It covered only the 2021 and 2022 tax years, though some contractor pages still advertise it.

For any tax credit claim, keep every agreement, invoice and receipt showing the contractor's full name, business address, a description of the work, the dates work was done, and their GST/HST number if they are registered, along with your proof of payment.